The iconic Nissan Maxima sedan is back with the added soul of a sports car, as Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company, the exclusive dealer for Nissan in Qatar, launched the model along with the 370z sports car.
In a break with tradition, both vehicles were unveiled on a regional scale in Doha instead of Dubai by Nissan Motors Company corporate vice-president Gilles Normand, who was the ceremony’s chief guest.
The grand unveiling of the models was hosted by Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company chairman Hisham Saleh al-Mana and managing director Kamal Saleh al-Mana.
Hisham al-Mana said: “The breadth and capability of the Nissan product range continues to go from strength to strength.
“We are confident that the introduction of the new Maxima and the ultra-sporty 370Z Coupe will delight our customers in Qatar.”
The two additions will be available at all Nissan retail showrooms in Qatar from this month, while the company also confirmed that it would add the convertible 370Z Roadster model to its vehicle line-up in early 2010.
“We are pleased to have the highest market share for Nissan across the General Overseas markets - an accomplishment that would not have been achieved without total dedication and commitment to our customers,” the company chairman added.
The new Maxima has two facets; a rational side with the sedan heritage and another one of a sports car, allowing Nissan to market it as the first premium “4-door sports car” (4DSC).
To-date the most powerful Maxima, the 3.5l DOHC 24-valve 290hp award-winning VQ-series V6 engine and a punchy 35.7kgm of torque is controlled by an “Intelligent Xtronic CVT” transmission.
The breakthrough exterior design of the new Maxima imparts a feeling of “liquid motion”, further accented by standard 19” alloy wheels with low-profile performance tyres.
The interior plays on a concept of “Super Cockpit”, imparting the feeling of sports car with controls ergonomically close.
The evolution of 370Z too sees the best features of all the Z-generations since 1970 making it an authentic sports car that combines both performance and value.
In the first full redesign of the sixth generation Z sports car since its re-introduction as the 350Z in 2003, the 2010 370Z has a shorter wheelbase, makes greater use of lightweight body materials, has a new 3.7-litre VQ37VHR engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 328hp and 37.0kgm of torque with a class-leading 328hp – and with improved fuel economy, offers a new seven-speed automatic transmission with F1-style paddle shifters and a world’s first synchronised downshift rev matching system for the six-speed manual transmission.
Nissan enthusiasts also received confirmation of the availability for the first time of a selection of its NISMO racing accessory parts for the new 370Z Coupe, Altima and Tiida in Qatar.
Normand said: “We are delighted to be able to officially launch a range of NISMO parts here.
“In this region we are well aware that many Nissan owners would like to personalise and enhance their cars.
“And with the availability of NISMO parts we can begin to satisfy their demand.”
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